Mike Tyson is a legend, and anyone today will easily identify him when his name is mentioned. And yet as he prepares for his bout on November 15th he recently took time out from training to make a Zoom call with sports illustrated to give a behind the scenes view on this fresh chapter in his life. Listening to Tyson, one could even feel the tension in his voice, and that irreplaceable tone of certainty when he spoke about the fight, his training and the contemporary realities of the boxing business.
This man is an icon of popular culture as soon as he threw his first punch inside the ring. It has been a history full of success and failure throughout his career, but one thing that remains sure is Tyson love for boxing. Even through the screen, his presence is magnetic, and one thing is clear: Tyson is as wicked today as was the case when he had not been to prison. This time around however he is not just relying on force; he has a plan, with experience, understanding, and growing respect for the science of the sweet science.
The Preparation: A New Kind of Training
Though he only has been in the ring for slightly over two decades he is very much aware of what is expected of a boxer. But his preparation for this fight can be said to be smoother, more strategic, and intentionally different. “I’m not trying to go out there and bulldoze my way through,” he said. This is really all about skill and precise ability to touch a small vulnerable area.
Not any longer was Tyson going to many fights just applying force muscle alone. Today, his preparations are in equal proportion, mannerisms, in fortitude of brain. He said: “You don’t want to stress the body a lot, meaning that if you’ve been doing this for years, you’d understand.” It is about being wiser with your body and your brain, Tyson said.
Tyson amplified his training schedule saying it entails cardio work, improved moves, and most importantly, the ear to take pounding. It’s really a chess match out there. It needs to be three steps ahead, quick, focused. I just say all of those things: I have to remain so calm and steady, I have to always outrun them and outwit them. The following quotation is expressive about the issue I have been discussing thus far: “If I’m not mentally ready, I’m not ready at all.”
Tyson’ s attitude to his counterparts has also changed over the years. He has moved on from going to fight with the only purpose of obliteration of the opponent; he’s slick, calculated, and systematic in his approach as any other martial artist. There are skills about working with the mind, manipulating their intelligence against them. The ring is where it’s won before you even step in there.”
The New Era of Boxing: Jake Paul and theYouTube Fighter
To maintain the contrary when Tyson was probed about the changing face of boxing, he was not shy to speak about the new crop of fighters coming thru other ways. I once heard one name mentioned – Jake Paul.
If the idea is to create excitement and engage interest from social media followers and beyond, Jake Paul, the once YouTube and now professional boxer has elicited various concerns across the sporting arena. Featuring a sharp-tongued personality and big-headed character, Paul has created the career many people may consider nontraditional. He has sparred with MMA stars, fought with some of boxing’s familiar faces, and attracted millions of people who might not normally tune into watch the sport.
Looking at the screens, Tyson rolled his eyes but then grinned and said: “Jake Paul is something else.” “Two, some have said a lot, but there is something that cannot be said about what he has done. He’s got guts. He’s introducing fresh pair of eyes, he is introducing that demographic that would not be tuning into boxing in any case.
Tyson recognized the arguments that can be made about Paul’s rabble-rousing route into boxing, knowing that purists might get the impression that Paul has not “paid his dues.” However, according to Tyson, the current crop of fighters has a different type of tenacity. “It’s a different game. Jake and these guys—they’re new types of showmen. They get the business, they get the entertainment factor. That’s something special.”
But Tyson disagrees with the assertion that fame can be used to bail out Paul in the ring. “But to really come up on top in this world, it can’t just be a social media thing,” Tyson said determinedly. As lesson to everyone, especially jake, he was learning the hard way. You look at him practice, he is serious, he is sweating it out. But at the end of the day you got to have respect for anyone who has the balls to get in that ring. It’s no joke.”
Tyson proceeded further in giving his remarks on how the sport itself has adjusted to such new players as Paul. “The sport exceeds the figures of the older generation fighters. In our case if we continue not to adapt something is lost. In other words, Jake Paul’s path proves that the audience for combatants has not disappeared—they may simply be located in other venues.
November 15: What Tyson Has in Store
For those wanting to see Tyson to be active again this November 15, Tyson made it known he has been training ferociously for that fight. His opponent – a really tough man, acknowledged for having an unwavering raw energy impact – is a man not considered lightly by Tyson.
Tyson has been studying footages, studying his opponent’s moves and looking for the slightest opportunity which he can take advantage of. “Those people you have to study, know them better than they know themselves,” Tyson said. Anyone who appears in a fight and says this is very outstanding and wise: “The smallest tell can turn the fight.”
He outlined his fight plan with an almost war-like tone. “It is timing, maintaining the cadence, switching it up, where they are not at ease.” Tyson leaned back and added, “I’m looking to bring something they haven’t seen yet loneliness.”
The fighter in him is alive and well but he is now a man with a lot of magic over his shoulder you might say. “It’s easy to be the big ‘kid’ on the block and throw your weight around but if you’re not smart, well you’re out!”
The questions later turned to how Tyson reacts to that, to be confronted with such a young, lively opponent, to which Tyson was nothing but positive. “It’s okay; I’ve been there before, I know what it will take. And, it is not the place of a young female to be this young and strong but to be the smart one.”
The Points that Tyson Associated to Boxing and the Expectations for the Future
Much as he is famous for, boxing has always been part of Tyson. Each bout he participates into today, has the history of years of fighting behind it and Tyson is to this day revered by fighters, fans and followers of many types of sports. However, Tyson still cares about what those fights are for the next gen.
“I want these fights to motivate people and make them understand boxing is not just a fight,” Tyson said. ‘It’s an art it is a craft’ and you know if I can achieve that for at least one kid out there that’s watching, then that is worthwhile.
From the case , to Tyson is all about honoring the sport that made him what he is today and passing on the knowledge he has gained over time. He admits that he have not been immune to such a reality but sees his continued participation in the sport as useful for many young fighters who may be Hopefully, looking for a direction to follow.
“Most of all boxing taught me what I know today,” Tyson remarked, a hint of emphasis on ‘everything “and his words carried the graveness of a gospel. It is a rough game, the toughest will be extracted from you. But it’ll give you back even more if you respect it.”
The Closing Bell
At the end of the interview Tyson’s disposition became momentarily a bit more contemplative giving way to the more reflective personality that has developed in recent years. Now he is at the stage where he can only remain grateful and appreciative of life and the career he has had but he remains more ravenously ambitious to compete.
For fans, they will get to see that energy, that intensity on Tyson on November 15. He’s a man who’s been there, done that, and doesn’t take it for granted anymore that he is an asset for the match up.
To Tyson, this fight is not a return, it is a reminder of why he is in the boxing ring. And for those watching, it’s a great opportunity to see the combination of strength and technique which can be developed only throughout the years of training. Tyson’s story is immortal and when he starts his battle; he will be taking a legacy that symbolizes boxing.
